Is It Ok To Vent Dryer Into Attic

The photo below shows an accumulation of dryer lint in an attic after years of the vent terminating in it.

Is it ok to vent dryer into attic.

Venting a dryer into attics soffits ridge vents or crawl spaces is expressly prohibited. We are wondering if there is any other way to vent the dryer which is gas. The international residential code allows you to run a dryer vent through the attic but you can t terminate it there. The dryer vents into the attic and not outside.

This code requirement is usually referred to when a homeowner wants to install air conditioning ducts from the house hvac system to the garage but also applies for dryer ducts. Additionally if you own a gas fired dryer you need to install a carbon monoxide detector in your laundry room and ensure that your dryer lines are inspected and cleaned every year. In these cases it may be necessary to vent your dryer through the attic. Venting a gas dryer into any enclosed space can cause an accumulation of carbon monoxide that could become lethal to humans and pets.

Venting your dryer to the attic is not only a potential fire hazard but can result in moisture problems which causes more problems. Dryers that vent indoors may go unnoticed especially if they are releasing fumes into an attic or the vent leaks into the space between walls. As seniors cleaning out the vent is a hassle because we can t climb into the attic or move out the stacked washer dryer to get to the vent. Doing so would fill your attic with warm moist air that could rot the framing.

Sometimes such as in town homes or condos it s not possible to vent a dryer through a wall outside. The moisture from wet clothes can cause mold to grow inside walls which can lead to respiratory issues certain types of cancers and death. Not all dryers will allow for this so be sure to check the owners manual to ensure it can be vented in this manner. Serious hazards can occur when dryer vents do not exhaust directly to the outside.

Our association will not permit any outside venting. Protect your family and your home for this very serious threat and others such as mold poor air quality and unwanted pests by having your crawl space properly sealed.